Apparatus for treating slaughtered animals

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for controlled injection of treatment solution into slaughtered animals.

BACKGROUND

The subject invention is related to and is an improvement over U.S. Pat.No. 4,053,963 and the various prior art cited therein, all of which isincorporated herein by reference. Generally, that prior art relates tomeat treatment by injection of various liquid compositions and toapparatus for accomplishing same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is specifically concerned with improved apparatusfor use in the treatment of slaughtered animals by injecting treatmentsolution into the animal's circulatory system. The apparatus is usefulin the treatment of beef, horses, hogs, poultry, deer, buffalo and thelike. The apparatus may be portable or permanently located.

It is to be understood that this invention is capable of using any of avariety of treatment solutions described in the prior art, especiallyaqueous solutions such as those referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,963and its co-pending application (now abandoned) Ser. No. 645,309 filedDec. 29, 1975, entitled "Composition and Method for Preparing Meat," andto later improved versions of such solutions. Examples are solutions ofwater and one or more of the following: maltose and dextrose, ascorbicacid, sodium tripolyphosphate, hydrolyzed milk protein, papain orbromelin or ficin, potassium sorbate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate andsodium citrate. Additionally, water soluble polysaccharide gum and/orcalcium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride may beincluded.

The procedure for using the apparatus of the invention begins with thestunning of a steer, for example, following which it is hung by its hindleg or hind legs, usually on an overhead conveyer or the like.Typically, the jugular vein is then opened at the neck to bleed theanimal. Otherwise, in other techniques, the incision is made in theheart. The animal may then be laid on a work surface with its legsextending upwardly or it may be kept hanging. Preferably, all four legvessels are severed, or all four legs are severed at the knee joints. Aninjector nozzle with a self-piercing tip is then inserted into thejugular at a location proximate to the earlier incision therein butcloser to the heart. The injector nozzle, being attached to a dispensingconduit of the apparatus, allows treatment solution to be pumped fromthe apparatus, through the nozzle and into the animal's circulatorysystem. The solution, after forcing out residual blood, eventually exitsfrom the severed leg vessels and from the first incision in the jugularvein.

It is critical that the injection solution be delivered into theanimal's cardiovascular system at a consistent pressure which is not solow as to lead to incomplete distribution throughout the animal or sohigh as to rupture vessels. The improved apparatus of this inventionprovides in its most preferred embodiment for such consistent,controlled pressure. The improved apparatus in its most preferredembodiment is also computer controlled as to flow rate, dosage oftreatment solution and data tabulations. It also provides for multi-linedispensing conduits or work stations.

An important feature of the apparatus comprises the use of an automaticcontrol valve with a control system for control of downstream pressureto a steady value. This is accomplished by locating the downstreampressure sensor of the value's control system in a critical location, tobe described more fully below, which provides substantially constantpressure values in single or multiple dispensing lines.

The apparatus also provides for cooling of the treatment solution. This"rapid chills" the animal and enhances the butchering and deboning ofthe carcass.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from thedetailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing of the solution handling apparatus of theinvention with direction of flow indicated by the arrows;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the self-piercing injection nozzle of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the component parts of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the component parts of the microcomputer;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the program's Main menu displayed on a CRT;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the Administrative menu password screen;

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the Administration menu displayed on a CRT;

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the Change Password menu displayed on a CRT;

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the Change System Information menu displayedon a CRT;

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the process control menu password screen;

FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the process control menu;

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the four Valve Operation Control screenssimultaneously displayed on a CRT;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the steps included in selecting a valve tocontrol and entering information;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing three memory locations set asideas counters for each valve;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing memory locations set aside forvarious flags depicting the status of each valve;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the steps executed by the Interruptprogram;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the steps executed by the Pause program;

FIG. 18 is an organizational diagram for a schematic circuit diagrammade up of multiple FIGS. 18a-18e and is a circuit diagram showing anembodiment of the electronic control means of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The apparatus of the invention is comprised of a computer controlsection and a solution handling section. The solution handling sectionincludes a storage container or tank, pump, valves, hoses, pressuremeters, nozzles and interconnecting conduits and the like. Stainlesssteel tankage, pipes, fittings, couplings, adapters, bushings and clampsalong with vinyl food handling tubing and hoses are primarily used inconstructing the solution handling equipment to render it sanitary andeasy to clean. Such fittings and the like are commercially available.For example, stainless steel fittings, ties, clamps, bushings andadapters are available in a variety of sizes and configurations asneeded from L. C. Thomsen & Sons, Inc. of Kenosha, Wis., PVC transferhose, sometimes referred to as "milk hose" is available from Kuriyama ofAmerica, Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 and is identified by them asTigerflex Milk Hose. Vinyl food handling tubing is readily availablefrom Mayon Plastics of Hopkins, Minn. 55343 identified by them as MayonFood Tubing, Grade R206-1.

Preferably to FIG. 1, the solution handling section of the apparatus isshown in schematic for simplicity of understanding. It includes astainless steel storage container means or tank 12 for holding treatmentsolution. Tank 12 may be of varying size and shape. A preferred tank isone of about 170 gallon volume, 16 gauge about 38 inches×35 inches and54 inches having a piano-hinged top (not shown) as provided by ProcessEquipment Corporation of Belding, Mich. 48809. Attached to the outlet 13of the tank is a first conduit means, preferably in the form of a 11/2inch conduit arrangement 14 and which may include stainless steel elbowsand vinyl food handling tubing as necessary, for carrying treatmentsolution from tank 12 to a pump 16 or other suitable means for creatinga flow of solution in the apparatus. A manual valve 18 may be includedin this section of the conduit line. It may, for example be a CooperManufacturing ball valve Model #4151 SE 316 3-PC. A Thomsen clamp 20 maybe used to attach conduit 14 to pump 16. A typical clamp for thispurpose is a T-13, double screw, wing nut clamp which includes a siliconor Teflon gasket. Such clamps may be used throughout the apparatus asindicated by legend 20 throughout. In order to make use of standardparts, conduit 14 may be reduced in diameter from 11/2 inches to 11/4inches at some point between coupling 20 and valve 18 to adapt conduitsize to standard intake line size of the pump. Pump 16 in turn conductstreatment solution to automatic valve 22 via a second conduit means inthe form of a conduit line 24 which is 1 inch in diameter as is theremaining conduit line associated with the apparatus up to the injectionnozzle. Again, this reduction in size is to accommodate standard parts,the pump output being 1 inch in diameter. Pump 16 is preferably anelectrically operated pump, more preferably of the centrifugal type suchas the FST-3000, Model 35 Stainless Steel Centrifugal Pump (closecoupled) as provided by the Bell & Gossett Fluid Handling Division ofITT Corporation. A pressure gauge 26 may be included in line 24 formonitoring purposes. This valve may typically be of the stainless steelpressure valve type #WI 233.50 provided by WIKA of Hauppauge, New Yorkwith a 21/2 inch dial.

Automatic control valve 22 is of the type which is designed to controldownstream pressure to a steady value regardless of changing flow rateand/or varying inlet pressure. One such valve capable of accomplishingthis is the type available from the Cla-Val Co. of Newport Beach,Calif., as Model 90-01 Series (90G-01 ABSKG). It is a pressure reducingvalve which consists of a main valve and a pilot control systemincluding a pressure reducing valve (not shown) (model CRD) and apressure sensing line or feedback conduit 30.

The location of the open end of pressure sensing line 30 is critical tothe operation of the apparatus. For proper control functioning of valve22, the end of line 30 can only be located at the "T" intersection whererecirculation line 44 meets header line 36, as shown is an example ofsuch an arrangement.

When the end of line 30 is located elsewhere problems occur. With onlyone line operating in a multiline apparatus, extreme cavitation of valve22 and extreme pressure fluctuations occur. In subsequent use,additional lines have been found to exhibit erratic pressurefluctuations as well. Also, the response time of valve 28 increases tounacceptable levels in excess of 5 seconds.

The ultimate result of such malfunctions is that definite variationsoccur in the amounts of solution injected through the lines and intoanimals.

Treatment solution is conducted from pump 16 through valve 22 to aheader means generally indicated at 32 via a third conduit means in theform of conduit line 34. Header 32 is preferably comprised of pairedconduit means 36 and 38, preferably, having a common inlet 40 and havinga common outlet 42, between which the flow of treatment solution exitingfrom conduit 34 branches into two directions in header 32 to meet atcommon outlet 42. One branch or more than two branches may also be used.The flow of treatment solution meeting at common outlet 42 recirculatesto storage container 12 via fourth conduit means in the form of arecirculation or conduit line 44 extending to the inlet 45 of container12. Line 44 may contain a manual valve 46 which may be a Worcester ballvalve product #WOC 5866R-SE. Manual valves 18 and 46 are placed in lines14 and 44, respectively to accommodate replacement of tank 12. Inoperation, multiple tanks will be used. When one tank empties, valves 18and 46 are closed and the apparatus is disconnected and reconnected to afresh tank. The valves are opened and processing is continued. The emptytank may then be recharged with treatment solution for subsequent use.

As indicated above and in accordance with this invention it has beendiscovered that locating pressure sensor 30 for automatic valve 22proximate the common outlet 42 of header 32, where the branched flow ofsolution meets, enables the valve to maintain the pressure in the headermeans and in all dispensing conduit means attached thereto, such as themeans generally designated 60, at a steady value whether there is onlyone dispensing conduit or a plurality of them in use and attached toheader means. Preferably, additional dispensing conduit lines (notshown) will be included as at 48 and 50. Most preferably, four suchlines will be included in the apparatus although only one is shown forsimplicity of description. Also, a drain line 52 with valve 54 and cap56 may be included in header means 32. A drain 16a (normally closed) mayalso be included in the bottom of pump 16.

Referring now to dispensing conduit means 60, of which only one isshown, it is connected into header means 32 (36). Flow into conduitmeans 60 may be controlled by means of a valve 58 which is preferably ofthe same type as valve 54 in drain line 52, i.e., a manual butterflyvalve. Conduit line 60 also includes a normally closed electricallyoperated valve 62 which is computer controlled as described furtherhereinbelow. Valve 62 may for example be a stainless steel electric ballvalve of the type manufactured by Jamesbury of Worcester Mass., Model A,Type 1"21-3600TT3 which is solenoid operated. Conduit means 60 may alsoinclude a pressure valve 26, a flow meter 64, a manual valve 66, a checkvalve 68 and a manual ball valve 70 to which an injection nozzle 72 isconnected (best seen in detail in FIG. 2). In practice, valve 66 isinitially adjusted to a predetermined flow rate which is read onflowmeter 64 at which time the overall system is considered adjusted.Valve 66 is then left set more or less permanently. Flow meter 64 may beof the turbine type supplied by Halliburton Services, Special ProductsDivision, Duncan Okla. as part #458.8001. Valve 66 may be of the sametype described at 46 hereinabove in line 44. Valve 70 may be of thestainless steel ball type manufactured by Crane Ordway Corporation underthe trademark CAPRI and identified as part #2000 CWP CF 8M. The section74 of dispensing conduit means 46 will preferably consist of aconvenient length of vinyl food handling tubing such as that availablefrom Mayon Plastics of Hopkins, Minn. 55343. A clamp arrangement (notshown) may be attached to the nozzle or upstream of it to hold thenozzle in position in the animal and force the operator for otherduties. Any suitable clamp e.g., an alligator clamp or the like, may beused for this purpose.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a detailed showing of the hollow injectionnozzle 72 is provided. It includes a self-piercing tip 90 and isthreaded at 92 to be fitted into valve 70. Nozzle 72 functions as aconduit for the treatment solution.

The apparatus will also preferably include a solution coolingarrangement such as means 80 in container 12 for cooling the solutiontherein. The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is schematic and 80 is intendedto indicate a cooling coil and associated operational means such ascondenser and refrigerant, as are well known. Any arrangement may beused. One such arrangement may include (not shown) a copper coil wrappedaround tank 12 on the outside and bottom with insulation covering thecoil similar to the hot water heater jacket used for energyconservation. A condenser may be connected to the coil and the systemthen charged with a refrigerant such as R-22. Such an arrangement willadequately cool the treatment solution.

Preferably, the apparatus is normally operated by two people. One personhandles the injection nozzle which has been pre-set as described abovewith all valves "open" except for electrical valve 62. This personinserts the nozzle into the animal and signals a second person at thecomputer who is responsible for entering data appropriate to the animalto be treated. This is described more fully hereinbelow. Upon beingsignaled, the computer operator presses a "start" button and thecomputer controls the injection treatment by program as will now bedescribed.

Referring now to the computer control section of the apparatus,reference should be made to FIG. 3 which is a block diagram of thevarious components of the apparatus used in the treatment of slaughteredanimals. A computer 100 is run by a program 104. A modem 102 may beconnected to the computer for transferring data over a phone line andfor remote control of the site computer. The preferred program forremote communications and control is PCNX made by Wendin. Electroniccontrol means 106 is interfaced with the computer and in turn controlsthe opening and closing of electronic valves 112. "Open" control lines108 and "closed" control lines 110 are included to operate the normallyclosed valves 112 (which correspond to valve 62 in FIG. 1). Note in FIG.3 that there are four such valves corresponding to four dispensingconduit lines, one such line being identified in FIG. 1 at 60.Electronic control means 106 opens the electronic valves 112 by placinga 110 volt potential across selected "open" control lines 108 whileholding the "closed" control lines 110 at 0 volts. In order to close theelectronic valves, the "closed" control lines 110 are held at 110 voltswhile the "open" control lines 108 are held at 0 volts. Electronicvalves 112 control the flow of solution through the dispensing conduitlines 114 (which correspond to 60 in FIG. 1). The solution is containedwithin the solution handling section 116 already described above withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of computer 100 from FIG. 3. The blockdiagram shows a generic microprocessor for computer 100. Any computermay be used. However, a microcomputer is the most economical. Genericmicrocomputer 100 is made up of a variety of components attached to thesystem bus 101 as shown. The central processing unit (CPU) 118 runs theentire system. A read only memory (ROM) 124 contains the low levelroutine, i.e., basic input/output routines. A random access memory (RAM)126 is used to store the operating systems and the actively runningprograms, along with data. The clock 128 is used to synchronize all ofthe operations which take place along system bus 101. A cathode ray tube(CRT) display 122 is connected to the system bus by means of CRTcontroller 120. A keyboard for operator input and control 134 isconnected to the system bus by means of keyboard interface 132. Functionkeys 136 are used as control keys in the preferred embodiment. A directmemory access controller (DMA) 138 is used to control the movement ofdata and programs from the magnetic disk storage unit 142 connected tothe system bus by interface 140, to RAM unit 126. The DMA 138 controlsthis operation without using CPU 118, thus freeing up the CPU for moreimportant tasks. Electronic control means 106 is connected with thesystem bus as well.

Referring to FIG. 5, the main menu display of program 104 is shown. Theoverall program is made up of several subprograms identified herein byAppendices I-VII, I-VI being written in C language while VII is writtenin assembly language. Appendices VII and IX, X, XI, XII and XIII areincluded because they are referred to from time to time in various ofthe appendices I-VII. The main driving portion of the program, is shownin Appendix I (see below). The program shown in Appendix I is theprogram which calls all the other subprograms. The display of the boxform of the menu is controlled by the program shown in Appendix II (seebelow).

The plant ID code is shown at 150. Header information 152 is alsocontrolled by the program in Appendix II. The actual text of the menu iscontrolled by the program shown in Appendix III (see below).

If the operator chooses "P" indicated at 154 in FIG. 5, for example,control is passed from the program in Appendix I to the program shown inAppendix IV (see below) displaying the menu of FIG. 10. If "A" at 156 inFIG. 5 is chosen, control is passed from the program in Appendix I tothe program shown in Appendix V (see below) displaying the menu of FIG.6. If "F" as at 158 in FIG. 5 is selected by the operator, control ispassed from the program in Appendix I to the program shown in AppendixVI (see below). It should be understood that the letters "P", "A", and"F" may be replaced by any number of designations, as long as control ispassed from a main calling program such as the one shown in Appendix Ito a subprogram such as the ones shown in Appendices IV-VII. Keyboard134 is utilized by the operator to choose the options off the main menu.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the operator must identify themselves and enterthe proper password to gain access to the menu shown in FIG. 7. Thepassword insures that only authorized people may access the functionsshown in FIG. 7. The menu in FIG. 7 is controlled by the program ofAppendix III and is displayed when the program contained in Appendix Vis called. The operator selects an option by means of keyboard 134. Ifthe operator chooses "P" at, 170 in FIG. 7, these passwords can bechanged or modified. There are three types of passwords: theadministrative password, daily passwords and operator passwords. When"P" is chosen, the menu shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. If the operatorchooses "S" shown at 172 in FIG. 7, then the menu shown in FIG. 9 isdisplayed. When the operator chooses "0" shown at 171 in FIG. 6, theauthorized operators may be changed. If the operator chooses "C" shownat 176 in FIG. 7, the accounting files which contain information aboutthe animals being processed are copied to a floppy diskette. If theoperator chooses "E" shown at 178 in FIG. 7, control passes from theprogram of Appendix I back to the disk operating system.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the change password menu is displayed. Theadministrative password is shown at 180, the daily password is shown at182 and the operator passwords are shown at 184. The dates at 184 showwhen the operator passwords expire. If all the operator passwords haveexpired and the operator needs to utilize the equipment, he can use thedaily password 182 which is operable only for the day which it is set.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the "S" option "Change System Information" ofFIG. 7 causes this menu to be displayed. The plant ID can be changed at150. The program refers to the flow rate shown at 190 to perform itsaccounting calculations. If the flow rate of the solution handlingsection changes, the program can be informed by making a correction at190. The number of valves (112 in FIG. 3) controlled by the program canbe changed at 192. In the preferred embodiment this number can rangefrom 1 to 4 although a greater number of valves may be controlled by thesame program with minor modifications. The time it takes for a valve toopen or close is shown at 194. The time is shown in units with one unitequal to 1/18th of a second. Lastly, the base address can be changed at198, the base address controls where the computer addresses the circuitshown in FIG. 18.

Referring now to FIG. 5, when the operator chooses "F", a variety ofaccounting reports may be printed to an output device, either to the CRTor to a printer in the preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the operators must identify themselves andenter a password to obtain access to the menu shown in FIG. 11. The menushown in FIG. 12 is displayed in response to the selection of the "P"option in FIG. 11. If the number of valves is set to 4 in FIG. 9, thenall four displays will be shown simultaneously. The operator selects avalve to operate by means of function keys 136 shown in FIG. 4. Functionkey F1 controls valve 1, function key F2 controls valve 2 and so on. Itis to be understood that any variety of key control can be utilized inthis context. Once the operator has chosen a valve to control, theborder of the menu is highlighted to show the operator which screen torefer to and which valve is being controlled.

If the "R" option is chosen from FIG. 11, then all valves are opened fora period of time to clean the apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an information input flow chart is shown bymeans of which an operator inputs data to the program for operation ofthe apparatus. The program for the following flow chart is contained inAppendix IV. The operator selects a valve in block 250, where Nrepresents the valve number the operator has selected. The input screenis then highlighted in block 252. The operator then selects, an animaltype in block 244 by picking out one of the display choices in window208 of FIG. 12. The operator then selects the animal subtype in block256 by means of window 210 of FIG. 12. If the weight displayed foranimal type and subtype is in correspondence with the type of animal tobe treated, then the operator can open the appropriate valve by means ofoption "S" at 222 from the menu of FIG. 12. However, if the operatorwishes to change the weight shown, he may do so with option "W" shown at220 in FIG. 12. The operator inputs the weight in block 260 of FIG. 13,and in block 262 of FIG. 13 the weight is checked against a range ofvalues which varies with each animal type to determine if it is withinthe allowable range. If the weight is within the allowable range,control is passed to block 264 of FIG. 13. However, if the weight is notwithin allowable range, the operator must rekey the weight. Whenever theoperator is ready, he may select the "S" option "start" shown in FIG. 12at 222 and as indicated in block 264 of FIG. 13. At block 266 of FIG. 13an integer value which corresponds to the length of time the valve is tobe open is located and selected in the memory and loaded into an address"N segment" (N=1, 2, 3, etc) of the ET elapsed time counter which isshown in FIG. 14. There are three counters for each valve: denoted OT,CT and ET, respectively as shown in FIG. 14.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 14, a diagram or memory map of thesevalve counters is shown. There are three memory locations set aside inthe three counters associated with each valve. Valve 1 where N=1 isshown at 274. The other three valves operate the same way as valve 1.The three counters are the open transition counter (OT) shown at 268,the closed transition counter (CT) shown at 270, and the elapsed timecounter (ET) shown at 272. The ET counter is initialized to O, while theOT and CT counters are initialized to the valve shown at 194 in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a diagram or memory map of the flags utilizedby the program is shown. The "open transition flag" (OTF) shown at 276is set to TRUE whenever the valve with which it is associated is in theprocess of being opened. The "open valve flag" (OVF) shown at 278 is setto TRUE whenever the valve is opened. The "closed transition flag" (CTF)shown at 280 is set to TRUE whenever the valve is in the process ofbeing closed. The closed valve flag (CVF) shown at 282 is set to TRUEwhenever the valve is closed. These flags inform the program whether thevalve is in the process of being opened or closed, which in thepreferred embodiment is shown at 194 in FIG. 8. However, a variety ofelapsed times for opening and closing may be used. The purpose of thetransition flags is to prevent commands from being sent to a valve whilethe valve is in the process of being opened or closed.

Referring now to FIG. 16, an interrupt program flow chart is shown. A"hardware interrupt" is generated by the computer 18.2 times per second.The assembly language program shown in Appendix VII is the interruptprogram which corresponds to FIG. 16. This program is called andexecuted 18.2 times per second by the computer. FIG. 16 shows oneinterrupt cycle of this program. The program checks the status of allfour valves before it returns control to the main program. At 290 acounter N, which corresponds to each valve is set to 0. A counter, usedto increment N, is shown at 294. A conditional branch is shown at block296. If the elapsed time counter of address N segment, where N can be1-4, is greater than 0, then the program will move to test for thevarious cases shown at 298-304. However, if ET is equal to 0, theinterrupt program perceives that valve N is closed and the computerloops back to the counter at 294. If the elapsed time (ET) counter isgreater than 0, the various flags shown in FIG. 12 are checked. Case 1,shown at 298, represents the situation in which the OTF flag is set toFALSE and the OVF flag is also set to FALSE. In this case, the valvemust be opened by the computer. The program sets the select N line(shown in FIG. 18) to a high voltage potential "high," which will startthe process of opening the valve in block 306 of FIG. 16. The programthen sets the OT counter to the value shown at 194 in FIG. 9 in block308. 144 is equivalent to 8 seconds and may be varied depending on thelength of time required to open or close a valve). The program then setsthe OTF flag to TRUE in block 310 of FIG. 16 to inform the program thatthe valve is now in the transition phase of opening.

Control is then passed back to point 1 shown at 292 in FIG. 16 toincrement the counter and check the next valve. Case 2 is shown at 300with the OTF flag being set to TRUE and the OVF flag being set to FALSE.In this case the valve is in the process of being opened. The programwill execute 144 times before the valve is finished opening. The OTcounter is decremented by one integer value in block 312 of FIG. 16. Inblock 314 of the Figure a conditional branch is shown where, if the OTcounter equals 0, the program sets the OTF flag to FALSE in block 316,signifying that the valve is no longer in the transitional phase. TheOVF flag is then set to TRUE in block 318, signifying that the valve isnow open. If the OT counter is not equal to 0 in conditional branch 314,then the program perceives that the valve is still, in the process ofbeing opened. At this point control is then passed back to 292 in FIG.16 where the counter is incremented and checks the next valve.

Case 3 is shown at 302 in which where the OTF flag is set to FALSE, theOVF flag is TRUE and the pause flag (PF) is FALSE. In this case thevalve is open. The valve is kept open for a time which is thesubstantial equivalent to the integer value stored in the ET counter.The program checks to determine whether the ET counter is equal to 1 inconditional branch 320 of FIG. 13. If it is not equal to 1, then the ETcounter is decremented in block 322 and control passes to point 292.However, if the ET counter is equal to 1, the program realizes it mustinitiate the "close valve process." Therefore, it decrements the ETcounter to 0 in block 324, sets the select N line to "low" whichinitiates the "close valve signal" in block 326, sets the CTF flag toTRUE in block 328 (which informs the program that the valve is in theclosed transition phase), and sets the CT counter to the value shown at194 in FIG. 9 in block 330. Control is then passed to point 1 shown at292.

Case 4 is shown at 304, with CTF set to TRUE and CVF set to FALSE. Inthis case the valve is in the "close transition phase". The CT counteris decremented in block 332 of FIG. 16, then checked to determine if theCT counter is equal to 0 in conditional branch 334. If it is not equalto 0, control is passed to point 1 at 292. However, if it is equal to 0,the program perceives that the valve is closed and, therefore, sets theCTF flag to FALSE in block 336 and sets the CVF flag to TRUE in block338. Control is then passed back to point 1 at 292. Complete cycling ofN=14 occurs 18.2 times per second. This corresponds to checking thecondition of each valve.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the Pause Program Flow Chart is shown. Whilethe valve is open, the operator may wish to halt the flow of solution totake care of some problem. The pause program allows a valve to be closedfor a period of time while preventing the ET counter from beingdecremented, so that upon reopening the valve the previously determinedremaining amount of solution may be injected into the animal. Byselecting the valve to control by means of the function keys F1 throughF4 in the preferred embodiment, the operator can gain access to theinput screen of FIG. 12 which controls the particular valve in questionshown at block 340 in FIG. 17. The operator then selects the "P" optionfrom the menu shown in FIG. 12, also shown in block 342 of FIG. 17. Inblocks 344 through block 348 of FIG. 17, the program checks to determineif the valve is paused, being closed or in a closed state. If any one ofthese conditions exists, the pause program ends. A closed valve may notbe paused, and a valve that is paused, closed, or in a closed transitionphase may not be paused. If the valve is open or opening, control passesto block 349 whom the pause flag is set to true. Then control thenpasses to block 350 in which the select N line is set "low" which causesthe valve to close at block 352. The elapsed time counter is thenprevented from being decremented at block 354. The valve remains closeduntil the operator selects "resume" from the menu in FIG. 12, controlledby conditional branch 356. Once "resume" is selected, the programdetermines whether the pause flag, shown at 283 in FIG. 15, has been setto TRUE by means of conditional branch 358. If the pause flag has notbeen set to TRUE, then the "resume" is ignored and the program ends. Ifthe pause flag is TRUE then the pause flag is set to FALSE and the valvebegins to open, controlled by blocks 360 and 362. The elapsed timecounter begins to decrement again at block 364.

A modification of the pause program shown in FIG. 17 may be used to"pause" all open valves simultaneously and "resume" all paused valveswith these two functions being assigned special function keys.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a circuit diagram of electronic control means106 of FIG. 3 is shown. The purpose of this circuit is to provide foursets of on/off lines. One set for each valve. Many circuit arrangementsmay be substituted for the one disclosed. Address lines A0-A9 shown at370 are split, A3-A9 going to buffer 372, and A0-A2 going to buffer 373.

Address lines A0-A9 are checked by comparator 392 against the preset dipswitches 390. If the address is valid and the CPU is in a low state (IOWat 378 is low), then the JK flip flops 388 are enabled.

A0-A2 are decoded at 381 resulting in eight lines or four sets of on/offcontrol lines. The eight control lines shown at 382 are buffered at 384and 386 before being passed to the JK flip flops. Ultimately the fourselect lines shown at 390 are produced. If for example select 1 goeshigh, the ON 1 line (also 108 in FIG. 3) is held at zero volts and the"OFF 1 line" (also 110 in FIG. 3) is held at 110 volts (shown generallyat 392) thereby closing the valve controlled by the select 1 line. Ifselect 1 goes low the opposite takes place and the valve is opened.

Additional embodiments of the invention will occur to others. The scopeof the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.Accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims indetermining the scope of the invention. ##SPC1##

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for injection of treatment solutioninto slaughtered animals comprising:a container for holding a quantityof treatment solution; means for establishing flow of solution from thecontainer source; automatic valve means for receiving the flow ofsolution, the valve means including control means for downstreampressure control of the solution flow; header means for receivingsolution flow from the control valve; conduit means joining the headermeans to container for recirculating solution thereto; pressure sensingmeans positioned proximate the joining area of the header means andconduit means thereat for sensing pressure; control line meansconnecting the pressure sensing means to the control means to theautomatic valve whereby pressure downstream of the control valve iscontrolled to a steady value, and at least one dispensing conduit meansconnected to the header means for accepting solution therefrom atcontrolled pressure and being constructed and arranged for injecting thesolution into the circulatory system of a slaughtered animal.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein:the header means comprises paired conduitmeans for establishing branched flow of the solution therethrough, theconduit means joining the header means joins downstream portions of thepaired conduit means whereby flow therethrough is brought together forrecirculating to the container, and the pressure sensing means ispositioned proximate the joining area and the point at which flowthrough the paired conduit means meets, in the vicinity of theconnection to the recirculation line.
 3. Apparatus for injectiontreatment solution into slaughtered animals comprising:container meansfor holding a quantity of a treatment solution and including an outlet;a pump having an inlet and outlet; first conduit means connecting thepump inlet to the container outlet for transferring solution from thecontainer to the pump; automatic control valve means having an inlet andoutlet and including pilot control means for downstream pressurecontrol; second conduit means connecting the pump outlet to the controlvalve inlet for transferring solution from the pump to the controlvalve; header means comprising paired conduit means having a commonoutlet for establishing branched flow of the solution through the pairedconduit means; third conduit means connecting the outlet of the controlvalve to the paired conduit means for introducing solution into theheader means; fourth conduit means connected to the common outlet of theheader means for receiving solution from the header means; pressuresensing means positioned proximate the common outlet, control line meansconnecting the pressure sensing means to the control means of theautomatic control valve whereby pressure downstream of the control valveis controlled to a steady value, and at least one dispensing conduitmeans connected to the header means for accepting solution therefrom atcontrolled pressure and being constructed and arranged for injecting thesolution into the circulatory system of a slaughtered animal.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 including timing means for controlling the lengthof flow time through the dispensing conduit means whereby the controlledpressure and time provide the dispensing of controlled amounts ofsolution.
 5. Apparatus for injection of treatment solution intoslaughtered animals, comprising:container means for holding a quantityof a treatment solution and including an outlet; a pump having an inletand outlet; first conduit means connecting the pump inlet to thecontainer outlet for transferring solution from the container to thepump; automatic control valve means having an inlet and outlet andincluding control means for downstream pressure control; second conduitmeans connecting the pump outlet to the control valve inlet fortransferring solution from the pump to the control valve; header meanscomprising paired conduit means having a common inlet and outlet forestablishing branched flow of the solution through the paired conduitmeans; third conduit means connecting the outlet of the control valve tothe common inlet of the header means for introducing solution into theheader means; fourth conduit means connected to the common outlet of theheader means for receiving solution from the header means; pressuresensing means positioned proximate the common outlet, control line meansconnecting the pressure sensing means to the control means of theautomatic control valve whereby pressure downstream of the control valveis controlled to a steady value, and at least one dispensing conduitmeans terminating in solution injection nozzle means, the conduit meansbeing connected to the header means for accepting solution therefrom atcontrolled pressure and being constructed and arranged for injecting thesolution into the circulatory system of a slaughtered animal via thenozzle means.
 6. Apparatus for injection of treatment solution intoslaughtered animals, comprising:container means for holding a quantityof a treatment solution and including an inlet and an outlet; a pumphaving an inlet and outlet; first conduit means connecting the pumpinlet to the container outlet for transferring solution from thecontainer to the pump; automatic control valve means having an inlet andoutlet and including pilot control means for downstream pressurecontrol; second conduit means connecting the pump outlet to the controlvalve inlet for transferring solution from the pump to the controlvalve; header means comprising paired conduit means having a commoninlet and outlet for establishing branched flow of the solution throughthe paired conduit means; third conduit means connecting the outlet ofthe control valve to the common inlet of the header means forintroducing solution into the header means; fourth conduit meansconnecting the common outlet of the header means to the container inletfor recirculating treatment solution after passing through the headermeans; pressure sensing means positioned proximate the common outlet,control line means connecting the pressure sensing means to the pilotcontrol means of the automatic control valve whereby pressure downstreamof the control valve is controlled to a steady value, and at least onedispensing conduit means terminating in solution injection nozzle means,the conduit means being connected to the header means for acceptingsolution therefrom at controlled pressure and being constructed andarranged for injecting the solution into the circulatory system of aslaughtered animal via the nozzle means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6including valve means for controlling the flow of solution from theheader conduit means through the dispenser conduit means and theinjection means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the valve means iselectrically controlled.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 including computermeans for maintaining electrical control of the valve means.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7 including a plurality of separate dispenser conduitmeans and injection means connected to the header conduit means andcorresponding separate valve means controlling the flow therethrough.11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the separate value means are eachelectrically controlled.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 includingcomputer means for maintaining control of the separate valve means. 13.The apparatus of claim 6 including means associated with the solutionfor cooling it below ambient.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6 in which theinjection nozzle terminates in a self-piercing tip.
 15. Apparatus forinjecting treatment solution into a plurality of slaughtered animals,the apparatus comprising:solution handling means including header meansfor receiving solution flow from a control valve, conduit means joiningthe header means to a container for recirculating solution thereto,pressure sensing means positioned proximate the joining area of theheader means and the conduit means for sensing pressure, and a pluralityof electrically operated valves, each valve being constructed andarranged for controlling the flow of solution to an individual animal;control means operably connected to the valves for opening and closingthe valves; programmed means operably connected to the control means,the programmed means comprising: computer means including data entrymeans for entering input data concerning at least the type and weight ofanimal, and an application program comprising operating instructions forthe computer means and stored data representative of at least variousdurations of time for a variety of animals' types and weights; meansresponsive to input data received by the data entry means for selectinga duration of time from the stored data; counter means for receiving theselected duration of time; means responsive to the counter means forinteracting with the control means to operate the valve for apredetermined duration of time to control flow of solution into thecirculatory system of the animal whereby the computer operates thecontrol means upon initiation of an operator.
 16. Apparatus forinjecting treatment solution into a plurality of slaughtered animals,the apparatus comprising:solution handling means including header meansfor receiving solution flow from a control valve, conduit means joiningthe header means to a container for recirculating solution thereto,pressure sensing means positioned proximate the joining area of theheader means and the conduit means for sensing pressure, and a pluralityof electrically operated valves, each valve being constructed andarranged for controlling the flow of solution to an individual animal;control means operably connected to the valves for opening and closingthe valves; programmed means operably connected to the control means,the programmed means comprising: computer means including data entrymeans for entering data and a program; means responsive to data receivedby the data entry means for selecting a duration of time; meansresponsive to operator input for interacting with the control means tooperate a valve for a length of time corresponding to the selectedduration of time to control the flow of solution into the circulatorysystem of an animal.
 17. Apparatus for injecting treatment solution intoa plurality of slaughtered animals, the apparatus comprising:solutionhandling means including header means for receiving solution flow from acontrol valve, conduit means joining the header means to a container forrecirculating solution thereto, pressure sensing means positionedproximate the joining area of the header means and the conduit means forsensing pressure, and a plurality of electrically operated valves, eachvalve being constructed and arranged for controlling the flow ofsolution to an individual animal; control means operably connected tothe valves for opening and closing the valves; programmed means operablyconnected to the control means, the programmed means comprising:microcomputer means including a keyboard for entering data concerningthe type and weight of an animal, and a program comprising operatinginstructions for the microcomputer means and stored data representativeof various durations of time associated with a variety of animal typesand weights; means responsive to data received by the keyboard forselecting a duration of time from the stored data; means responsive tooperator input for interacting with the control means to operate a valvefor a length of time corresponding to the selected duration of time tocontrol the flow of solution into the circulatory system of an animal.18. The apparatus of claim 17 further including means for generatingaccounting records relating to the type of animal processed and theamount of solution used.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein theaccounting records further comprise a daily account record and acumulative account record.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 furtherincluding a modem,means responsive to the modem for the remote controlof the apparatus and the transfer of account information to the remotecontrol site.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17 further including passwordprotection such that only an authorized operator may input data.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 17 further including means responsive to the keyboardfor interrupting the flow of solution into an animal further includingmeans responsive to the keyboard for re-establishing the flow ofsolution for the remainder of the duration of time.
 23. Apparatus forinjecting treatment solution into a plurality of slaughtered animals,the apparatus comprising:solution handling means including header meansfor receiving solution flow from a control valve, conduit means joiningthe header means to a container for recirculating solution thereto,pressure sensing means positioned proximate the joining area of theheader means and the conduit means for sensing pressure, and a pluralityof electrically operated valves, each valve being constructed andarranged for controlling the flow of solution to an individual animal;control means operably connected to the valves for opening and closingthe valves; programmed means operably connected to the control means,the programmed means comprising: computer means including data entrymeans for entering data concerning at least the type and weight ofanimal, and an application program comprising operating instructions forthe computer means and stored data representative of various durationsof time associated with at least a variety of animals'types and weights;means responsive to input data received by the data entry means forselecting a duration of time from the stored data; counter means forreceiving the selected duration of time; means responsive to the countermeans for interacting with the control means to operate the valve for apredetermined duration of time to control flow of solution into thecirculatory system of the animal whereby the computer operates thecontrol means upon initiation of an operator.